JusticeCorps FAQs

Frequently Asked JusticeCorps Questions:

What is the difference between AmeriCorps and JusticeCorps?

AmeriCorps is a network of National Service programs working to address various compelling community needs across the nation. JusticeCorps is one program in the AmeriCorps Network with a focus on increasing access to justice for Californians coming to court without lawyers.

What is the commitment for JusticeCorps?

For our full-time fellowship, it is a calendar year 40 hours/week commitment (for a total of 1,700 hours) that spans from August 2013 until August 2014.

For our part-time membership, it is an academic year 8 hours/week commitment (for a total of 300 hours) that spans from September 2013 until May or June 2014. Former members have noted that JusticeCorps is similar to taking an additional class. Therefore, we strongly encourage applicants to realistically evaluate their anticipated schedule prior to applying. We strongly encourage members to serve at least some shifts during academic breaks, especially winter break, so that they do not fall behind in accruing service hours.

There are two JusticeCorps options – to which should I apply?

Our full-time fellowship is for graduating seniors and college graduates, who will be out of school and able to work full-time starting August 2013.

Our part-time membership is for those who will be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at one of our five partner universities (CSU East Bay, San Francisco State, San Jose State, Stanford, UC Berkeley) in fall 2013. Students planning to graduate in December 2013 are eligible for our part-time membership but should note that it is a full-year commitment so applicants considering moving out of the area or pursuing full-time employment prior to May 2014 would not be eligible to participate in JusticeCorps

I am graduating in December 2013 – can I still apply? If so, to which program?

If you are graduating mid-program year, you are eligible to apply for our part-time program. Please note that this is a two-semester commitment so, if you plan to move out of the area or pursue full-time employment before May, you are not eligible to apply. If you cannot guarantee your commitment for the spring semester we would encourage you to wait until the next (2014-15) program year and apply for our full-time fellowship.

Do you have to be studying law in order to apply for the program?

No. JusticeCorps members are enrolled in a variety of majors.

Is there a minimum GPA to qualify?

Yes. Prospective members are asked to demonstrate a GPA of at least 2.5 at the time of application. In cases of extraordinary circumstances, applicants may provide an addenda to explain a lower GPA and this will be considered with their application.

Can I do another internship while participating in JusticeCorps?

No. Working on another internship while participating in JusticeCorps is not permitted, as our program is a serious commitment (see above). If you would like to request a waiver of this requirement please contact the JusticeCorps Program Director.

Can I study abroad for one term while participating in JusticeCorps?

No. JusticeCorps is a full academic year commitment and members must be in the Bay Area and able to serve consistently the entire year.

If I don’t attend any of the partner universities, can I still apply to the program?

Preference for Minimum-Time positions is given to candidates enrolled at partner universities, although exceptions have been made. Full-time member candidates are also drawn from partner universities but it is not a requirement.

Is there a stipend for your year of service?

Minimum-time members do not receive a stipend, but upon completion of the program are eligible for a $1,132 education award. Full-Time members receive a maximum living allowance of $20,000 for an entire year of service as well as a $5,350 education award upon completion of the JusticeCorps program. Click here to learn more about the education award.

I have a part-time job in addition to my courseload. Can I still apply for the program?

Many minimum-time members work at a paying job while completing their JusticeCorps service. During the interview process you will have a chance to reflect on whether the balance of coursework, a part-time job, and JusticeCorps service is the right fit for you.

Do JusticeCorps members work in criminal courts?

No. JusticeCorps is designed to assist self-represented litigants dealing with civil, small claims, and family law issues.

Do JusticeCorps members work inside courtrooms?

Sometimes. JusticeCorps members are based in self-help legal access centers, although they do spend time observing in court and explaining orders as necessary to assist litigants whose cases require them to appear before a judge.

How many days a week do members work with self-represented litigants?

Generally, Minimum-Time members commit to one full day of service per week (this could be a full work day or two half-days). Full-time members provide service five days per week. In addition both minimum-time and full-time members spend a number of hours each week training with their site cohorts, especially during the first 5 weeks of the program.

Do you get to choose your service site?

During the application process, you may be asked to list your service site preferences and program staff does everything they can to accommodate members' selections

How many full-time stipended positions do you offer?

F/T slots may vary slightly from year to year. For the 201022013 program year the program enrolled 23 F/T positions and expects to enroll 24F/T members in 2013-2014—15 in Los Angeles, 7 in the Bay Area, and 2 in San Diego

How many minimum-time (300 hour) positions do you offer?

M/T slots may vary slightly from year to year. For the 2012-2013 program year the program will enroll 250 M/T positions and expects to enroll 263 M/T members in 2013-2014.